Monthly Archives: September 2017

September 30, 2012 – The Store Big Top Souvenirs Opens in Storybook Circus

“Come one, come all and gather ‘round this three-ring extravaganza for a magical circus packed with zesty snacks, sweet treats and unforgettable souvenirs…”

On September 30, 2012, the themed merchandise stop Big Top Souvenirs opened in the Storybook Circus area of Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World. Replacing the County Bounty store of the old Mickey’s Toontown Fair area, the store is located just outside of Pete’s Silly Sideshow. The store is a mix of merchandise ranging from Mickey ears to kitchen goods; the store also sells a variety of sweet treats ranging from special drinks to designed candy apples.

On September 29, 1991, the Studio Showcase walkthrough attraction opened in Disney-MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios) Park in Walt Disney World. Hosted by the American Film Institute, the attraction gave guests a chance to see a variety of exhibits that featured costumes and props from famous films after going through the Studio Backlot Tour Guests also could buy items from a gift shop in the same location. The attraction closed on August 16, 2014.

“Put the pedal to the metal in your very own hotrod and cruise along a scenic miniature motorway.”

On September 28, 1996, the Tomorrowland Speedway reopened with its new name in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Originally known as the Grand Prix Raceway, this new name would only last for three years, until it was renamed as the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway in 1999; the name has since been changed back to Tomorrowland Speedway. The attraction was still the same, with guests able to race in a gas-powered racecar down the scenic motorway.

“I’ll be safe and you’ll be sorry when the wolf comes through your door.”

On September 27, 1991, the music video Simply Mad About the Mouse was released on home video. This musical compilation featured clips from Disney movies and short films, along with some new animation for this compilation, with updated pieces of Disney music from artists such as Billy Joel, Harry Connick Jr., and LL Cool J. Songs from the music video range from Pinocchio’s “When You Wish Upon a Star” to “Kiss the Girl” from The Little Mermaid. An album of the music from the music video was released on October 1, 1991.

“Once upon a time, a young girl from a small Sicilian village moved from Hollywood to become a star.”

On September 26, 1991, the casual dining restaurant Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano opened in Disney-MGM Studios (now known as Hollywood Studios) in Walt Disney World. To fit with the theme of the glamor of Hollywood, the backstory of the restaurant is that a young girl came to Hollywood to make it big, but ended up creating a restaurant that caught the attention of the top industry insiders. The restaurant features Italian-themed favorites such as fried calamari, four-cheese baked macaroni, and tiramisu.

On September 25, 1957, the episode of the Disneyland anthology series, titled “Adventure in Wildwood Heart” premiered on ABC. The episode was inspired by the filming for the True Life Fantasy Perri, which was based on the 1938 novel Perri: The Youth of a Squirrel by Felix Salten (who also wrote the book Bambi, a Life in the Woods which would inspire the animated feature film Bambi). Inspired by the surroundings of Utah – particularly that of Uinta National Forest – the crew took to calling the area Wildwood Heart. The episode explained the three-year process it took to film all the footage for the film, as described by film producer Winston Hibler. The episode was directed by Hamilton S. Luske.

On September 24, 1986, the specialty shop La Boutique des Provinces opened in the Canada Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. It sold special upscale gifts, such as jewelry, perfume, and ornaments, from French Canada. It was located within the Hôtel du Canada, the main structure used to represent the Canadian pavilion. The store closed around 2005.